[Chapter-delegates] Application to start an Internet Society Chapter: Canada Ontario
Asrat Beyene
ambnn2001 at gmail.com
Sat Jun 21 06:42:56 PDT 2025
Dear all,
I've gone through the proposal of Canada Ontario. I found it complete and
commendable.
I fully endorse its establishment.
Regards,
Asrat Mulatu (Ph.D)
Internet Society Ethiopia Chapter, President
On Sat, Jun 21, 2025, 10:51 Denaya Dennis via Chapter-delegates <
chapter-delegates at elists.isoc.org> wrote:
> Dear all,
> It is a great thing to see the application from Canada.
> Welldone to the team spearheading the process.
>
> The form is satisfactory.
>
> Denaya Dennis
> Secretary,, South Sudan Chapter
>
> On Wed, Jun 18, 2025 at 11:58 PM Charles Mok (gmail) via Chapter-delegates
> <chapter-delegates at elists.isoc.org> wrote:
>
>> 😅
>>
>> Charles Mok (gmail) reacted via Gmail
>> <https://www.google.com/gmail/about/?utm_source=gmail-in-product&utm_medium=et&utm_campaign=emojireactionemail#app>
>>
>> On Wed, Jun 18, 2025 at 2:17 PM Joel Templeman <
>> joel.templeman at internetsocietymanitoba.ca> wrote:
>>
>>> Full support from the ISOC Manitoba Chapter (Canada) - not just because
>>> we won’t be the 'new kid’ in Canada after this, but because we believe that
>>> each province and territory needs and can support its own chapter. Canada
>>> is a vast and diverse country with varied geographies, challenges, and
>>> needs. We need all the help we can get.
>>>
>>> Best wishes Ontario,
>>>
>>> *Joel Templeman, CD, MPA, MEd*
>>> Executive Director
>>> Internet Society Manitoba Chapter
>>> 431-999-3953
>>> joel.templeman at internetsocietymanitoba.ca
>>>
>>> [image: PastedGraphic-1.png]
>>>
>>> On Jun 18, 2025, at 3:29 PM, Charles Mok (gmail) via Chapter-delegates <
>>> chapter-delegates at elists.isoc.org> wrote:
>>>
>>> Great to hear about this! It will be a great addition to ISOC for the
>>> North America community!!
>>>
>>> Charles
>>>
>>>
>>> On Wed, Jun 18, 2025 at 8:26 AM Kyle Shulman via Chapter-delegates <
>>> chapter-delegates at elists.isoc.org> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Dear Chapter Leaders,
>>>> We recently received the *application below to start an Internet
>>>> Society Chapter in Canada Ontario*. I kindly invite you to *review it
>>>> and share your comments by 1 July 2025*.
>>>> If you know active Internet Society members in Ontario who are
>>>> interested in joining this initiative, please let me know via
>>>> shulman at isoc.org . I will happily connect them to the volunteers who
>>>> submitted this application.
>>>> Your comments and input will help us make a final decision on this
>>>> application and move to the next steps.
>>>> Thank you very much in advance for your feedback.
>>>> Kind regards,
>>>> Kyle Shulman
>>>> Senior Manager, Community Engagement
>>>> Internet Society
>>>> shulman at isoc.org
>>>>
>>>> _______________________
>>>>
>>>> *Internet Society Ontario Chapter*
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> *A. Proposed name of the Chapter*
>>>> Internet Society Ontario Chapter
>>>> *B. Community of Interest the Chapter will serve*
>>>> The primary community of interest is the *Province of Ontario*, In the 2021
>>>> census <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_Canadian_Census>, Ontario
>>>> had a population of 14,223,942 living in 5,491,201 of its 5,929,250 total
>>>> dwellings, a 5.8 percent change from its 2016 population of 13,448,494.
>>>> With a land area of 892,411.76 km2 (344,562.11 sq mi), it had a population
>>>> density of 15.9/km2 (41.3/sq mi) in 2021.[2]
>>>> <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario#cite_note-StatCan2021-2> This
>>>> large and diverse population, spread across a significant geographical area
>>>> with key urban centres, presents both a substantial opportunity and a clear
>>>> need for an Internet Society chapter dedicated to promoting digital
>>>> literacy, accessibility, and informed Internet governance across the
>>>> province. The largest population centres
>>>> <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_population_centres_in_Ontario> in
>>>> Ontario are Toronto <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto>, Ottawa
>>>> <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottawa>, Hamilton
>>>> <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamilton,_Ontario>, Kitchener
>>>> <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitchener,_Ontario>, London
>>>> <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London,_Ontario> and Oshawa
>>>> <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oshawa>, which all have more than
>>>> 300,000 inhabitants.
>>>> The Chapter welcomes participation from individuals across Ontario and
>>>> Canada who share an interest in Internet governance, policy, technology,
>>>> and development, particularly those operating primarily in English.
>>>> *C. Purpose and scope of Chapter*
>>>> The purpose of the Internet Society Ontario Chapter is to advance the
>>>> mission of the Internet Society within the Province of Ontario by:
>>>>
>>>> - *Promoting an Open, Globally-Connected, Secure, and Trustworthy
>>>> Internet:* Serving as a local platform for discussion, education,
>>>> and advocacy on critical Internet issues.
>>>> - *Building Capacity:* Educating students, professionals,
>>>> policymakers, and the public on Internet governance, digital rights, online
>>>> safety, accessibility, and emerging technologies.
>>>> - *Fostering Community:* Creating a multi-stakeholder forum for
>>>> collaboration among academia, the technical community, civil society, the
>>>> private sector, and government entities within the province's vibrant
>>>> ecosystem.
>>>> - *Supporting ISOC's Vision:* Contributing to global Internet
>>>> policy discourse and advocating for principles that ensure the Internet is
>>>> for everyone.
>>>> - *Addressing Local Needs:* Focusing on issues relevant to Ontario
>>>> residents, such as digital inclusion across Ontario's diverse urban and
>>>> rural landscape, the intersection of technology and civic life, and
>>>> supporting the region's large tech and innovation sector.
>>>>
>>>> In particular, the Ontario provincial capital is Toronto, and it's one
>>>> of the leading North American tech hubs (over 285,000 tech workers, major
>>>> R&D presence), home to numerous world-class universities and colleges, and
>>>> its position as Ontario's provincial capital makes it a critical location
>>>> for an ISOC chapter. In addition to the regional hubs in Waterloo and
>>>> Ottawa, these cities have a substantial population of potential ISOC
>>>> membership. The Chapter will leverage these concentrated strengths and the
>>>> diverse digital landscape across the entire province to build a dynamic
>>>> community engaged in shaping the future of the Internet for all Ontarians
>>>> and contributing to global Internet discourse. We are committed to ensuring
>>>> our activities reflect the diversity of Ontario and promote inclusivity in
>>>> all aspects of our work.
>>>> *D. Outline of key priorities for the first year of Chapter*
>>>> The inaugural year will focus on establishing a strong operational
>>>> foundation, building an engaged membership base, and initiating impactful
>>>> activities.
>>>>
>>>> - *Governance & Operations (Q1-Q2):*
>>>> - Finalize and adopt the Chapter Bylaws.
>>>> - Formally incorporate as a non-profit entity in Ontario.
>>>> - Establish financial infrastructure (bank account, basic
>>>> accounting).
>>>> - Elect the first official Chapter Board/Officers as per the
>>>> bylaws.
>>>> - Develop internal processes using tools like Trello for project
>>>> management.
>>>> - *KPI:* Achieve non-profit incorporation within 6 months.
>>>> - *KPI:* Hold first official Annual General Meeting (AGM) and
>>>> election within 12 months.
>>>> - *Membership Growth & Engagement (Ongoing):*
>>>> - Launch membership recruitment drive targeting academic
>>>> institutions, tech companies, NGOs, and interested individuals.
>>>> - Develop and launch the Chapter website (WordPress) and social
>>>> media presence (e.g., LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter).
>>>> - Implement the communication plan (see Section G), including a
>>>> regular member newsletter.
>>>> - *KPI:* Recruit a minimum of 100 registered members by the end
>>>> of Year 1.
>>>> - *KPI:* Achieve an average open rate of 25% for the member
>>>> newsletter.
>>>> - *KPI:* Establish active Chapter presence on at least two
>>>> relevant social media platforms.
>>>> - *Partnerships & Outreach (Ongoing):*
>>>> - Formalize collaborations with initial partners (IEEE Toronto,
>>>> NASIG, VSIG, ARIN, CIRA, NARALO/NPOC).
>>>> - Identify and engage with potential new partners in the
>>>> academic, tech, and civil society sectors within Ontario.
>>>> - Develop a sponsorship package and initiate fundraising efforts.
>>>> - *KPI:* Secure formal Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) or
>>>> collaboration agreements with at least 3 key partners within Year 1.
>>>> - *KPI:* Secure initial funding/sponsorship from at least 5
>>>> corporate or institutional sponsors by the end of Year 1.
>>>> - *Education & Events (Q3-Q4 onwards):*
>>>> - Co-organize and host the North American School of Internet
>>>> Governance (NASIG) Toronto event (in collaboration with NASIG).
>>>> - Host introductory webinars/events focused on ISOC's mission
>>>> and key Internet governance topics.
>>>> - Plan and deliver at least one event specifically focused on
>>>> digital inclusion or accessibility within Ontario.
>>>> - *KPI:* Successfully deliver the NASIG Toronto event (or agreed
>>>> equivalent first major event).
>>>> - *KPI:* Engage at least 200-300 individuals from across Ontario
>>>> through [e.g., 3-4] educational webinars or public forums on key Internet
>>>> governance issues.
>>>> - *Diversity and Inclusivity (Ongoing):*
>>>> - Actively promote membership and participation from
>>>> underrepresented groups within Ontario's tech and policy communities.
>>>> - Ensure events and communications are accessible.
>>>> - Strive for gender balance and diverse representation in
>>>> leadership and event speakers.
>>>> - Engage students and youth through targeted outreach and
>>>> potential student membership rates.
>>>> - *KPI:* Develop and publish a Chapter Diversity & Inclusion
>>>> Statement within 6 months.
>>>> - Initiate at least one outreach activity or event in Year 1
>>>> specifically designed to engage an underrepresented group identified
>>>> through our D&I planning.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> * E. Founding members of the Chapter*
>>>> A minimum of 25 Internet Society members is required. The following
>>>> individuals are confirmed founding members committed to establishing the
>>>> Chapter:
>>>>
>>>> *Name*
>>>> Waqar Ahmad
>>>> Mohibul Mahmud
>>>> Joan Kerr
>>>> Glenn McKnight
>>>> Jason Dasti
>>>> Daniel Migault
>>>> David Cameron
>>>> Robert T Bell
>>>> Allan Aspina
>>>> Muhammad Shammaas Baig
>>>> Zulqar Nayen
>>>> Bibi Rookayya Gulmahamed
>>>> Adrian Schmidt
>>>> Mildred Weiss
>>>> Marita Moll
>>>> Arafat Al Hossain
>>>> MD Saiful Amin
>>>> Kim Therrien
>>>> Fariha Rahman
>>>> Monamee Afroze Ishika
>>>> Fred Fernbach
>>>> Caleb Ogundele,
>>>> Momotaz Mahin Khan
>>>> Abdul Ala Muhammud
>>>> Md Mokarram Hossain
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> *F. List of supporters and partner organizations*
>>>> We are actively engaging with potential partners and have secured
>>>> initial commitments. We aim for a multi-stakeholder approach. Letters of
>>>> support will be included in Appendix C.
>>>>
>>>> - *Virtual School of Internet Governance (VSIG):* Educational
>>>> partner. Letter of Support secured (see Appendix C). Collaboration on
>>>> educational content, a potential source for speakers and student members.
>>>> Contact: Alfredo Calderon, Dean of Academic Affairs) ATTACHED
>>>> - *North American School of Internet Governance (NASIG):* Educational
>>>> partner. Letter of Support requested. Planned collaboration to host the
>>>> NASIG Toronto event. Contact: Eduardo Diaz, Chair) ATTACHED
>>>> - *North American Regional At-Large Organization (NARALO) &
>>>> Non-Commercial Stakeholder Group (NCSG) (ICANN):* Multi-stakeholder
>>>> partner. Letter of Support requested. Collaboration on policy discussions,
>>>> potential discretionary funding support, cross-promotion for membership.
>>>> (Contact: Adrian Schmidt, Secretariat ATTACHED
>>>> - *IEEE Toronto Section:* Professional affiliation. Letter of
>>>> Support requested. Potential for cross-promotion of events and membership,
>>>> access to the technical community. Contact: Dustin Durwell, Chair: Pending
>>>> - *American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN):* Regional
>>>> Internet Registry (RIR). Letter of Support requested. Promotion of ARIN
>>>> Fellowships/Memberships, potential collaboration on events, exploring
>>>> Community Grant opportunities. Contact: Amanda Gaudin, ARIN Outreach,
>>>> Pending
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> *G. Membership Communication, Engagement, and Interaction*
>>>> We propose a multi-channel strategy to engage members and the broader
>>>> community:
>>>>
>>>> - *Website (WordPress):* Serve as the central information hub with
>>>> news, event listings, resources, membership information, and blog posts.
>>>> Will adhere to accessibility standards (WCAG). The domain name
>>>> www.isocontario.org has been identified as available and is
>>>> planned for registration upon chapter approval.
>>>> - *Email Newsletter:* Monthly updates sent to members covering
>>>> chapter activities, relevant ISOC news, upcoming events, and Internet
>>>> governance highlights.
>>>> - *Podcast*: Foster spirited discussion of relevant and current
>>>> Internet issues with industry leaders and civil society members
>>>> - *Social Media (LinkedIn Group, potentially Twitter/Facebook):* Foster
>>>> discussion, promote events, share relevant news, and engage with the wider
>>>> Ontario tech/policy community.
>>>> - *Online Events:* Regular webinars, virtual panels, and Q&A
>>>> sessions on relevant topics, allowing broad participation. Recorded
>>>> sessions made available where possible.
>>>> - *In-Person Events:* Periodic meetups, workshops, and networking
>>>> events across Ontario (with initial events potentially in accessible hubs
>>>> like the GTA), including the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
>>>> - *Collaboration Platforms:* Utilize tools like Google Workspace,
>>>> Discord or Slack for internal committee work and potentially member
>>>> discussions.
>>>> - *Membership Management:* Use tools like Google Forms or a
>>>> dedicated membership platform for applications and database management.
>>>> - *Feedback Mechanisms:* Regularly solicit member feedback through
>>>> surveys and during events.
>>>>
>>>> Recruitment Strategy: Outreach via partners, promotion at relevant
>>>> industry/academic events, targeted social media campaigns, direct outreach
>>>> to key organizations and universities in Ontario, and leveraging the
>>>> professional networks of founding members to build initial momentum.
>>>>
>>>> Retention Strategy: Provide valuable content, facilitate networking
>>>> opportunities, offer meaningful ways to participate (volunteering,
>>>> speaking), recognize member contributions, and conduct periodic member
>>>> surveys to gauge satisfaction and identify evolving interests.
>>>>
>>>> *H. List of requirements*
>>>> We have researched the requirements for operating a non-profit
>>>> organization in Ontario, Canada:
>>>>
>>>> - *Incorporation:* We intend to incorporate as a non-profit
>>>> organization under the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA). This
>>>> involves filing Articles of Incorporation with the Ontario Ministry of
>>>> Public and Business Service Delivery (Estimated Fee: ~$155).
>>>> - *Annual Filings:*
>>>> - *Ontario:* Annual return filing with the Ministry.
>>>> - *Federal (CRA):* Annual T2 Corporation Income Tax Return and
>>>> potentially T1044 Non-Profit Organization Information Return with the
>>>> Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). We anticipate needing accounting services for
>>>> tax preparation (Estimated cost: ~$500+/year).
>>>> - *Regulatory Compliance:* We will ensure compliance with all
>>>> relevant provincial and federal regulations for non-profits, including
>>>> governance practices outlined in ONCA and financial reporting standards.
>>>>
>>>> We have reviewed these requirements via the official Ontario government
>>>> websites and resources for non-profits.
>>>> *I. Additional information*
>>>> The founding team comprises individuals with diverse backgrounds in
>>>> technology, policy, education, and business, deeply committed to the
>>>> Internet Society's mission. The establishment of the ISOC Ontario Chapter
>>>> fills a significant gap, providing a much-needed platform for
>>>> multi-stakeholder dialogue and capacity building across Ontario, one of
>>>> North America's most dynamic and diverse digital landscapes. We are
>>>> confident in our ability to build a vibrant and sustainable chapter that
>>>> contributes positively to the local community and the global Internet
>>>> Society network.
>>>> *J. Contact Information*
>>>>
>>>> - *Name:* Mr. Waqar Ahmad
>>>> - *Affiliations:* IEEE Member, NARALO Unaffiliated Member, VSIG
>>>> Urdu Translation Lead
>>>> - *Postal Address:*
>>>> - *Phone Number:*
>>>> - *Email Address:*
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> As a Chapter Leader, you are automatically added to the Internet
>>>> Society’s Chapter Leaders Community Group and the Chapter Delegates e-list,
>>>> which is regularly synchronized with the Internet Society Chapter Portal
>>>> (AMS): https://community.internetsociety.org.
>>>> The Internet Society has a legitimate interest to communicate with its
>>>> chapter leaders, you will therefore remain subscribed for the duration of
>>>> your term and will be unsubscribed automatically when your term ends.
>>>> Please note that the archive of this list is publicly accessible and
>>>> may be viewed by anyone. By submitting information to this list and
>>>> contributing to the communications, you acknowledge that the contents will
>>>> be publicly visible.
>>>> View the Internet Society Code of Conduct:
>>>> https://www.internetsociety.org/become-a-member/code-of-conduct/
>>>> -
>>>> Unsubscribe:
>>>> https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/9b6ef0621638436ab0a9b23cb0668b0b?The%20list%20to%20be%20unsubscribed%20from=Chapter-delegates
>>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> As a Chapter Leader, you are automatically added to the Internet
>>> Society’s Chapter Leaders Community Group and the Chapter Delegates e-list,
>>> which is regularly synchronized with the Internet Society Chapter Portal
>>> (AMS): https://community.internetsociety.org.
>>> The Internet Society has a legitimate interest to communicate with its
>>> chapter leaders, you will therefore remain subscribed for the duration of
>>> your term and will be unsubscribed automatically when your term ends.
>>> Please note that the archive of this list is publicly accessible and may
>>> be viewed by anyone. By submitting information to this list and
>>> contributing to the communications, you acknowledge that the contents will
>>> be publicly visible.
>>> View the Internet Society Code of Conduct:
>>> https://www.internetsociety.org/become-a-member/code-of-conduct/
>>> -
>>> Unsubscribe:
>>> https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/9b6ef0621638436ab0a9b23cb0668b0b?The%20list%20to%20be%20unsubscribed%20from=Chapter-delegates
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>> As a Chapter Leader, you are automatically added to the Internet
>> Society’s Chapter Leaders Community Group and the Chapter Delegates e-list,
>> which is regularly synchronized with the Internet Society Chapter Portal
>> (AMS): https://community.internetsociety.org.
>> The Internet Society has a legitimate interest to communicate with its
>> chapter leaders, you will therefore remain subscribed for the duration of
>> your term and will be unsubscribed automatically when your term ends.
>> Please note that the archive of this list is publicly accessible and may
>> be viewed by anyone. By submitting information to this list and
>> contributing to the communications, you acknowledge that the contents will
>> be publicly visible.
>> View the Internet Society Code of Conduct:
>> https://www.internetsociety.org/become-a-member/code-of-conduct/
>> -
>> Unsubscribe:
>> https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/9b6ef0621638436ab0a9b23cb0668b0b?The%20list%20to%20be%20unsubscribed%20from=Chapter-delegates
>>
>
>
> --
> *Kind Regards,*
>
> *Denaya Dennis*
> WhatsApp/Tel: *MTN*: +211 926 287 850, *Zain*: +211 986 287 850
> *Uganda*: +256 778 635 851 *Kenya:* +254 715 410
> 834
> * Skype*: denny.dennis1
>
> ICT Mentor & Trainer | Web Designer | Internet Entrepreneur | Graphics
>
>
>
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> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/me/denaya-dennis>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> As a Chapter Leader, you are automatically added to the Internet Society’s
> Chapter Leaders Community Group and the Chapter Delegates e-list, which is
> regularly synchronized with the Internet Society Chapter Portal (AMS):
> https://community.internetsociety.org.
> The Internet Society has a legitimate interest to communicate with its
> chapter leaders, you will therefore remain subscribed for the duration of
> your term and will be unsubscribed automatically when your term ends.
> Please note that the archive of this list is publicly accessible and may
> be viewed by anyone. By submitting information to this list and
> contributing to the communications, you acknowledge that the contents will
> be publicly visible.
> View the Internet Society Code of Conduct:
> https://www.internetsociety.org/become-a-member/code-of-conduct/
> -
> Unsubscribe:
> https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/9b6ef0621638436ab0a9b23cb0668b0b?The%20list%20to%20be%20unsubscribed%20from=Chapter-delegates
>
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